"Bonus Checks" - (Pagosa Springs, CO)

This morning Linda wanted me to start on writing the pages for a guest information binder that we will put in each cabin.

But before I could get into it, I checked the Ranch emails.  I noticed a bunch of emails in the spam folder at Yahoo mail.  I clicked over and found several inquiries that had come from the Colorado Vacation Directory about the Ranch that had gone to the spam folder automatically.  And her spam folder is set up to delete the messages in that folder monthly.

Karen had been wondering why she hadn't been getting any contacts from that listing. Now I'm wondering how many potential reservations we might have missed.

I started shooting out emails apologizing and asking if they were still interested if their inquiry was for later this month or August.  Some wanted July 4th weekend, but we had been booked for that for quite some time.  Some sent inquiries for July 4th on July 3rd.  Still, I sent emails apologizing so they at least knew we weren't ignoring them.

Fortunately, a couple of the people had called after their emails and we already had them booked.  Whew. 

I'd give you the link to the Colorado Directory listing, but I noticed the prices hadn't been updated.  Gotta remember to do that.  The correct information is located on the Lodging Page of the V.A. Poma Ranch website.

By the time I got through that, our three cabins were vacating and it was time to clean.  Well, it was more of a shuffle than anything.  One cabin left.

We had to clean The Hideaway so the folks in The Willow could move over.  Then we had to clean The Willow so the folks in The Bunkhouse could move over.  Then we had to clean The Bunkhouse (the worst to clean) so our new arrivals could move in.  :)

I did my prep work on the first two cabins and Linda & Karen teamed up to do the actual cleaning.  They did it all on the third cabin as I started cutting grass.

After the grass cutting, I sat down and wrote a welcome letter as the starting page for our cabin binders.  Linda & Karen talked strategy for a bride and groom we had asked to come in today.  They are having their wedding here in the middle of August and we wanted to make absolutely sure of both our expectations so we could write a contract.

I did a little weedeating around the Ranch House and a cabin when the couple arrived.  Karen wanted me to be present for the meeting, so I quickly showered and changed.

Our meeting went well.  There were a couple of big issues, but we got through them and I think it will all work out.  We all feel a lot better now.  :)

Doug had asked if I wanted to go fishing after we finished for the day.  I hustled back to the rig and got my gear ready.  We piled our stuff in the Jeep and went to the Windmill Pond at the other end of the Ranch.

We both had spinning reels, but I was going to take my fly rod as well - completely forgot it.  Oh well.

After some backlash problems, I finally made a good cast and caught a little Brown Trout on a lure recommended by Lloyd at Sportsmans.  Doug had a fish on as well but didn't quite get it landed.

I hooked a really nice one, but with two jumps it got off.  I caught one more tiny little Brown and that was it for us.

It was getting cold as the sun was going down, so I took a couple of quick pictures like the one above ...

and this one before we left.

We've got lots of fishing to do while we're here.  Even if we don't catch much, the setting and scenery are worth the time spent.  :)

The ladies were all at the Ranch House making popcorn and cookies for the kids.  Karen's dad, Vic, loved kids and she said he would be smiling ... as she teared up a little.  That was twice today.  The first time was after she read the welcome letter I wrote for the guests.  :)

And that, my friends, is why we take jobs like this.  They often give us much more back than a free campsite, some perks, and a little cash.  Big smiles, tearful thank yous, and swelled hearts are our "bonus checks".  :)

Comments

[Dave]

It sounds like you are really fixing things up around there. It seems like you are more of a consulting team than anything else... one who, in addition to drawing up contracts, meeting with accountants and developing marketing materials also cleans cabins and cuts grass!

I see an ideal 'on the road' business for you and Linda forming... with bookings out years in advance for your consulting services. I am sure many campgrounds around the country would gladly accept your services in return for a place to stay and some spending cash!

Keep up the good work.

[Fran]

Dear Howard and Linda,

Kids also love to make the old fashioned taffy...some have bought taffy and eaten it, but few have ever "pulled" thier own taffy and eaten it...the kids love to do this...I am sure you can find a recipe online, but if you cannot, I will look it up for you in my recipes and send it. Just let me know if you want me to look it up for you...

You all are having such great fun...we are glad...

Blessings,
Fran

[foxriverguy]

When it is time for you to leave the ranch, Karen is not going to want to let you go. Your shoes will be impossible to fill.

Now, having said that, don't let it go to your heads. We still need you here at RV-Dreams.com.